Patient-reported outcomes of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists on hidradenitis suppurativa severity

Summary: Abstract Body: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by painful, purulent lesions in body fold areas. HS arises from immune activation around terminal hair follicles, causing inflammation, pus, tissue destruction, and scarring. Available data suggest weight loss may reduce HS severity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs), FDA-approved for diabetes and weight loss, have shown promise in small case studies reporting improved glycemic control and decreased HS severity over short durations. We evaluated the impact of GLP-1-RAs on HS severity using patient-reported outcomes. Adults with HS on GLP-1-RAs, seen in the Department of Dermatology (January 2019-August 2024), were identified using Slicer Dicer. Of 128 patients contacted, 29 completed consents and surveys. Among 21 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 90.5% were female, with a mean age of 45 years. Most were Black (57.1%), non-Hispanic (90.5%), and overweight or obese (Class 1–3) (100%). Active HS was reported by 85.7%, with 76.2% experiencing flares in the preceding 6 months. GLP-1-RAs semaglutide (42.9%), tirzepatide (33.3%), dulaglutide (19.0%), and liraglutide (4.8%) were prescribed for weight loss or diabetes. Mean treatment duration was 18 months. 76.2% reported weight loss, averaging 32 pounds. 71.4% reported improved HS-specific health, including fewer flares (65.0%), new lesions (70.0%), pain (55.0%), drainage (65.0%), and odor (45.0%). 61.9% reported less impact of HS on daily activities. 57.1% indicated they would recommend GLP-1-RAs to other patients. GLP-1-RAs may play an adjunctive role in HS management, particularly given the association between HS and obesity. Though limited by potential recall bias, a strength of this study is its focus on patient experience. It is the largest reported cohort of HS patients on GLP-1-RAs to date. Controlled studies with patient and dermatologist-reported endpoints are needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice. Radhika Gupta¹, Robert Micheletti¹, Victoria Fang¹ 1. Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research